The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-07-20
Raising the Dust.

III the game were worth the candle we
Gould furnish abundant proof that the I
structures of the Memphis Appeal on the
condition of affairs in Mississippi have
beyond what it terms the 'freal
issue of the brutal treatment of the
leased penitentiary convicts." While
this is so, the Appeal is entitled to the
benefit of its own Interpretation of what
it has said, which is materially different
from that Of its readers who have dis
cussed the editorials referred to here
abouts. 1t is possible that the general
impression as to the real meaning of the |
AppedPs screeds is erroneous, but it is
not so because of any "dust" THE
CLARION has raised.
In another place in this paper we
print an editorial from the Memphis
Avalanche, about the meaning of which
there cannot be any doubt, and which
fully warrants all that we have said
concerning the wholesale charges of
corruption made against the officials of
Mississippi. That the Appeal is not
responsible for what the AvaLanche says,
we admit, and the APpeaE ought to
| admit that the AUaIdnche 5 editorial con-
pletely relieves US of the charge of hav-
ing ERASED the dust"
All that the Appeal has said in denun-
citation of the leasing system has been as
ably said by Mr.. Geo. w. Cable and
others of less note. To read the Appeal
one would think that for the first time
in the history of the State the system
has met with formidable opposition
If it were better posted on Mississippi;
affairs it would speak with less excite
ment and more judgment.
The evils consequent upon the leasing
system were recognized by the observan
men of the State many years ago. Thu
system is one which but few person
Z have approved, and these chiefly thos
r who profited by it. Still it has been
: problem which many of its btteres
NOBPOuCAlS nave DCCu W
1t is well enough to consider the chic
s difficulty in the way of its solution i
= the manner usually suggested by tn
e philantropical gentlemen who so elC
y quently plead tae cause of humanity
and that is the presumed inability c
the State to take charge of the convict
1t and work them within the walls or 0
'e farms, to be purchased by the Stat
ID without an annual expense of man
Is thousands of dollars.
Of The Legislatures that have assemble
tat the capital, though impressed wit
the evils which seem to be inseparab
from the leasing system, have done fro
time to time that which they hope
! would remedy, or, at least, mitiga
: them, rather than vote such appropri
tions and levy such taxes as wou
enable them to abandon the systel
And we may say here that more thi
ds one Legislature would have put an eI
al to the system but for the fear that
-. increase of the tax levy to the exte
IN seemingly necessary, would not be a
an proved by the people of the State.
y. TIE CLARION is convinced that t
State should take charge of its conviC
at any cost; but when against prop
ms sition to increase the taxes, alreat
h burdensome, is placed the prospect
tn getting a revenue from their hire und
r. restrictions and regulations which g
.. parently guarantee their humane trei
e. ment, arguments and illustrations viii
seem potent now will lose much of the
force.
We The Appeal writes of the leasing S,
40 tenn as if its eyes had been sudden
ne opened to it's abuses. The thinking M
ne of this State passed through that exI
lis rience years ago. What is needed nj
en- is a plan for the abolition of the systt
ed that will commend itself to the Legis
Id ture. If the appeal has one to sugge
it will doubtless receive considerable
and we assure it, that in its discussiC
~ we will "stick to the text" having
rs interests but those Of the State and
citizens to serve.